Direct the conversation to the marked improvement in his condition, tell how much you are encouraged by the very noticeable change, and suggest another thorough physical examination so that you may make the proper record of his case. When the patient has disrobed give him the same thorough, searching examination you did when he first came to the office. Pay no attention to the sexual organs at first, but, when nearing the end of the examination say casually:
“How long have you been in that condition, Mr. ——?”
This is a random shot, but it will strike home ninety-nine times out of a hundred. There is very little chance of its going astray. Almost invariably the patient will ask:
“What condition do you refer to, Doctor?”
“Why your sexual organs are not exactly normal, are they?”
“Well, to tell the truth, Doctor, I am not as strong as I was a few years ago, but suppose it’s the natural result of advancing years.”
“You’re not an old man yet, Mr. ——. You are only 55, I think you told me. You ought to be good for at least ten years yet, and perhaps longer.”
“Do you really think so, Doctor. Is there any hope in that direction?”
“Most certainly. There is little question about the result. Modern science has given us an entirely new method of treatment in cases of this kind the effects of which are little short of miraculous. The one trouble, however, is that it is expensive, so much so that I hesitate to speak of it as a rule.”
No power on earth can prevent that man from having that treatment regardless of the expense. He has by this time an enlarged idea as to the doctor’s ability. He is pleased with the results of the treatment administered for the original ailment. He is impressed by the evident professional skill of the doctor in “discovering” a sexual condition which he fancied was known only to himself. He does not know that the physician has simply made a shrewd guess; one that he is in the habit of making several times a week, and generally with the same result. He is in the seventh heaven of delight. The doctor has adroitly dangled before his eyes a certainty which he had been vainly praying for. His next question is:
Direct answer to this depends upon what the doctor has learned about the patient’s financial rating and willingness to pay. Few cases of this kind are taken under $1,000. Allowing that the physician has decided upon this amount as the extreme limit, he will reply: